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Sadistic Guatemalan alien with machete nabbed in Northern Iowa
This sadistic illegal alien put a machete to a person’s throat, victimized children, and somehow made his was to a wholesome Northern Iowa community to spread his misery, but thanks to Operation Take Back America he is destined for hot showers in a stone cold federal prison before he is shipped way, way south.
Iowa DNR seeks volunteers in bumble bee survey
CLEAR LAKE – Iowa’s volunteer community scientists have identified 13 species of bumble bees, including five of seven priority target species, as part of the Bumble Bee Atlas, a national survey collecting information on species present and their distribution in the state. To get involved, volunteers go through two to three online trainings led by Xerces Society with an optional in-person field day to get comfortable handling and photographing bumble bees.
Iowa’s drought conditions improve after rainfall over past week
DES MOINES – Recent rainfall improved drought conditions across the state, however, areas of northwest Iowa remain under a drought watch, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Michigan man who ran off with Iowa teen, causing amber alert, faces serious charges
WATERLOO — A Michigan man is facing serious felony charges after a missing 12-year-old child from Waterloo was rescued following a multi-state Amber Alert on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Mason City man found dead in troubled neighborhood
MASON CITY – A man was found dead today by his bicycle in a yard in this troubled Mason City neighborhood.
Northwood man wins $200K Iowa Lottery prize
NORTHWOOD — For most people, a milestone birthday usually involves a few candles and a slice of cake. But for Steven Saltou, his latest trip around the sun came with a life-changing surprise that didn’t fit inside a gift box: a $200,000 lottery windfall.
Vandalism spree reported in Ames as cars spray-painted with slurs
AMES — The Ames Police Department is investigating a disturbing string of hate-fueled vandalism after several vehicles were discovered defaced with swastikas and racial slurs over the past few weeks.
Iowa House resoundingly passes farm act
DES MOINES — The Iowa House of Representatives has delivered a resounding vote of confidence to the state’s agricultural sector, passing the Iowa Farm Act with a strong bipartisan majority of 81–8. The comprehensive legislative package, officially designated as House File 2748, now moves to the Iowa Senate for further consideration.
College Softball: Iowa State Cyclones beat Iowa Hawkeyes, 9-7
IOWA CITY – For the second-straight game, Reagan Bartholomew played the hero for the Cyclones (23-15, 4-8 Big 12), as the Waukee native blasted a go-ahead two-run shot in the top of the seventh to lift ISU over Iowa (21-17, 5-10 Big Ten) in game one of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, 9-7.
OBIT: Scott A Foos
Scott A. Foos, 56, of New Hampton, Iowa passed away on March 21, 2026, at his home in New Hampton. A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Abels Funeral and Cremation Service in Grundy Center.
College Basketball: Iowa Hawkeyes finish 15th in final AP poll rankings
IOWA CITY – The University of Iowa men’s basketball team finished 15th in the final Associated Press rankings for the 2025-26 season. It is the program’s highest year-end ranking since the 2020-21 season when it was eighth.
Gov. Reynolds signs bill to reform foster care training and increase foster homes in Iowa
DES MOINES — Governor Kim Reynolds signed state legislation and a joint proclamation with the federal Administration of Children and Families (ACF) which aim to strengthen Iowa’s foster care system.
Women’s JUCO Basketball: NIACC’s Spotts earns 1st-team all-American honors
MASON CITY – NIACC sophomore Reggi Spotts has earned NJCAA Division II first-team all-American honors.
Spotts, who prepped at Mason City High, is the first NIACC women’s basketball all-American since Autam Mendez earned first-team honors and Sierra Morrow earned second-team honors in the 2019-20 season. She is the 15th NIACC women’s basketball player to be selected as an all-American.
OBIT: Katherine Ann Bohl
Katherine “Kathy” Ann Bohl, 91, of Mason City, IA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, under the care of MercyOne North Iowa Hospice at the Rockwell Community Nursing home.
Protected: Northern Iowa man nabbed after alleged heinous deeds with teen in Mason City
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Mason City women accused of financially abusing a dependent adult
MASON CITY — A joint investigation into the exploitation of the vulnerable has led to criminal charges against two local caregivers accused of systematically draining a client’s resources for their own personal gain.
OBIT: Robert “Bob” Leo Carney
Robert Leo Carney, 86, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at HallMar Village in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family. A 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Rosary will be said at 3:00 p.m., followed by a scriptural wake service on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.
State of Iowa fuels industrial growth in Osage with $1 million expansion loan
OSAGE — The state of Iowa has approved a $1,000,000 loan to support a significant industrial expansion in Osage, signaling a major boost for the Mitchell County economy.
OBIT: Patsy Ruth “Pat” Myers
Patsy Ruth “Pat” Myers, 89, of Mason City, Iowa, passed peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Heritage Care Center, surrounded by the care and comfort of those around her. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at First Assembly of God.
UNI Panther football to host Spring Game on April 25 inside the UNI-Dome
CEDAR FALLS — UNI football fans are invited to celebrate this year’s spring season with UNI’s 2026 Spring Game, hosted inside the UNI-Dome on April 25, free of charge.
OBIT: Paul M. Charlson
Paul Marlin Charlson, age 81, of Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Mason City students have strong showing at spelling bee competition
MASON CITY – The Mason City Community School District (MCCSD) had several students participate in the 5th Annual Regional Competition for the National Civics Bee sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and hosted by The Greater Mason City Chamber.